The young football star has a bright future ahead of him - and he isn't about to let his epilepsy slow him down.

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From the time he was 15 years old, Jason Snelling, currently a running back for the Atlanta Falcons, experienced a mysterious ailment that caused seizures, dizziness, and migraines. Perhaps worst of all, it almost cost him his football career.

Five years later, he was diagnosed with epilepsy, an often misunderstood neurological disorder that affects approximately 2.5 million Americans. Contributing to the difficulty in diagnosing (and treating) epilepsy is the fact that it's not a "disease" in and of itself, but rather a condition where abnormal electrical activity in the brain causes an involuntary change in body movement, awareness, sensation, or behavior. The only visible result is a seizure, although there are many types and varying severities of seizures.

Clearly as unafraid of a challenge off the field as on it, Snelling recently decided to speak out about his ongoing battle with epilepsy. He participated in the National Walk for Epilepsy on March 28 in Washington, D.C., and created a walk team called "Rush to Support Epilepsy," in the hopes of raising awareness about the condition and reducing the stigma sometimes associated with it.

Everyday Health: What was it like when you were diagnosed with epilepsy?

Jason Snelling: It took a long time for the doctors to diagnose me because not all seizures are due to epilepsy; it could have been a seizure disorder that was caused by something else. In my case, it did turn out to be epilepsy. On one hand, I was happy - after all those years of not knowing - to finally know what it was, and that it was something that could be controlled. But on the other hand, I wasn't that familiar with what epilepsy was and everything that it entailed. When I found out exactly what it meant and that I'd have to take medicine every day, I felt a little discouraged. I didn't like the idea of having to be dependent on medicine every day like that. That was hard for me at first.

Everyday Health: Were you uncomfortable telling people that you had epilepsy?

Jason Snelling: When I was younger, I wasn't upfront about it right away - not at all. You know, it's a scary thing, even with people who are close to you, for them to see a seizure for the first time. And at first, I wasn't sure how people would react to the news that I had epilepsy. I wasn't sure about my peers because even with the ones that accept it and are supportive, it still frightens them. Also, a lot of people don't understand the condition. So, I wasn't always upfront. But then I realized that people were more supportive than I thought, and I wasn't giving people enough credit; I've been lucky to always have support around me.

If you just explain it to people, they're very understanding. It's good just to let them know. It's good to make people aware that there are people like me who have epilepsy. So yes, at first, it took a while. But as I got older and as I realized that epilepsy was something I could manage, I felt like my story could be positive for a lot of people.

Everyday Health: Why did you decide to start speaking publicly about having epilepsy?

Jason Snelling: I had been involved with the Epilepsy Foundation in college, and then, after I started playing for the NFL, I wanted to start speaking out more and let people know that it's possible to achieve whatever they want. I figured that now I'm in a good position for spreading the word about epilepsy, and it all came together when I was given the opportunity to participate in the National Walk for Epilepsy. I'm very, very excited to have participated in that.

Everyday Health: Has your epilepsy affected your football career? And if so, how?

Jason Snelling: Actually, yes, it did, during my sophomore year in college. It was a time when my epilepsy wasn't controlled and I was trying to find the right medication. I was having migraines and a lot of dizziness, and I couldn't play football. But then I got with a great team of doctors, and together we found a medication that worked for me - and it's been working for me ever since. Until that happened, though, it looked like I might not be able to play at all. I tried to stay positive during that time, and it all worked out. I thank God I was able to find something that worked for me. And I encourage others to keep trying to find the things that work for them.

Jason Snelling: It just makes me want to take good care of my body in general. First of all, in terms of the things I eat, I had to go through different dietary regimens when I was being tested for epilepsy, and I maintain a strict diet. Also, I don't drink, and I always get enough rest. I stay in contact with my medical team, of course, and just generally have a pretty good approach to my overall health.

Everyday Health: Are you ever apprehensive about playing such a rigorous sport?

Jason Snelling: No, not really. I've been playing all my life. And to be honest, [regarding] the times when I've had seizures, it's actually never been when I've been playing sports or exerting or anything like that. Seventy percent of the cases of epilepsy have no cause, and that's the category I fall into. So, I don't worry about football ever triggering an episode at all.

Everyday Health: What advice do you have for someone who's recently been diagnosed with epilepsy?

Jason Snelling: You know, there's a big fear factor about having seizures in public, of maybe having one in front of other people. And I like to tell people not to worry so much about that - epilepsy can be managed, and you can go on and do whatever you want to do. I was able to fight my fears and overcome a lot of things; having epilepsy has actually built my character.

Whenever I talk to kids, I tell them to remember that epilepsy is something that can be controlled. You just have to take more precautions and do a little bit more to take care of your body; with epilepsy, your body is working on a different track than other people's. It's a neurological condition. I tell people that they have to pay attention to the small things - make sure you get enough rest and eat right. I don't drink because it could raise my chances of having a seizure. So, sure, there are certain things that you're going to have to sacrifice.

It's also important to remember that taking the medicine every day, consistently - just doing that one thing - could be the difference between having a seizure and not. Once you have a seizure, you're more vulnerable to having another one; that cycle repeats itself, and it can be dangerous. So, it's the little things like resting, eating well and taking your medicine. And once you get into the rhythm of doing that, you begin to understand that you can have the same quality of life and it can all be positive.

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